Farhath Khanum

Nanotechnology is gaining importance at tremendous rate in every field of science and technology. Researchers have developed a large number of different methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles; among this green route method is of great importance as it is eco-friendly and cost-effective. In this study we synthesized copper nanoparticles through green synthesis using a plant called lagerstroemia speciose. The formation of copper nanoparticles has been observed due to change in colour of extract solution. The sample solution was characterized by different techniques in order to find out the various physiological parameters like shape, size and nature of bonding. Plant extract acts as both reducing and capping agent .The various instruments used for characterization are DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR). Cups obtained were of size 35nm. The synthesized copper nanoparticles were studied for their anti-microbial activity, antioxidant, antidiabetic and catalytic activities and cytotoxicity.

Few decades ago, almost no one understood the importance of remark “There is plenty of room at the bottom” expressed by Robert Feynman until its reality appeared in the form of technology called nanotechnology, which has left its footprints in almost every field of science and technology. Nano- technology is based on two approaches i.e. Top-Down Approach and Bottom-up Approach. These two approaches include different physical, chemical and biological methods for the production of materials at Nano scale. Biological method, especially use of plant parts (green method) is strongly recommended nowadays due its unique features i.e. simplicity, biocompatibility, cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness. In the present study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles through green method by using Mulberry leaves. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by techniques such as UV-visible spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Dynamic light scattering, Fourier transformer-infrared, and X-ray Diffraction. The nanoparticles were studied for their different activities, i.e. antimicrobial activity, antidiabetic activity, antioxidant activity, catalytic activity and cytotoxic activity.

Humans experience different kinds of stress as a part of the day to day activity. The manifestation of stress will aggravate based on the physical conditions of individuals and due to their socio-economic situation of living. Herbal extracts have long been used in the traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of various ailments because of their potent antioxidant activity and lesser or no side-effects. Recently, there is a surge of interest toward the search of natural substances with diverse pharmacological activities, that can scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage and apoptosis because of the adverse effects associated with the use of conventional medicines. Celastrus paniculatus is an endangered medicinal plant used for years in the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine. The review presents the diverse chemical constituents of C. paniculatus and their pharmacological actions such as neuroprotective, memory-enhancing, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-aging, hypolipidemic, anticancerous, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, gastroprotective, anti-ulcerative properties at the cellular and molecular level based on the pre-clinical and clinical reports available. In the present review, we gathered the information from sources, such as Google Scholar, Science direct, PUBMED, and reviewed with a special focus on the mode of action of C. paniculatus at molecular biology from the data on animal and preclinical experiments to cure various ailments. These diverse medicinal values of C. paniculatus demonstrate its value as traditional medicine as a cure for multiple maladies.

Leh berry fruit squash was optimized for shelf stability evaluation. The developed product was subjected to stability study by storing the product at two different temperature conditions viz., room temperature (23 ± 4°C) and 37°C. The various parameters viz. microbial, sensory and physico-chemical properties were analyzed. Shelf stability of squash showed the significant increase in total soluble solids, total sugars, reducing sugars and colour intensity for product stored at above temperature conditions except acidity and pH, which exhibited insignificant changes. The antioxidants viz., vitamin C, E, phenols, anthocyanins and carotenoids showed significant reduction during entire storage period. The microbial population of fresh as well as seabuckthorn squash samples stored at above temperature conditions was found to be non-detectable. The sensory studies showed that the seabuckthorn squash was found to be acceptable up to 8 months at room temperature and 2 months at 37°C. Changes in the seabuckthorn squash had a significant effect on sensory attributes during storage for a period of 8 months at above temperature conditions. This product can be utilized throughout the year especially during the off season period and they can be safely consumed up to a period of 8-months without any further quality deterioration at room temperature.

The objective of this study was to know about the effect of simple parboiling on physical properties, proximate composition, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. These were studied in raw and parboiled paddy varieties as well as bioaccessibility of specific nutrients (minerals, starch, and antioxidants). The pigmented rice paddy varieties such as Jyothi, Meter & Athikaraya were parboiled by hot soaking treatment after soaking for 2, 2½, and 3 hr. Athikaraya rice showed high protein, low ash in raw and parboiled than other varieties. Amylose equivalents of all three varieties exhibited in the range of 24%–27% (d.b). Whereas, the soluble amylose content showed 12.7, 8.7, and 7.7% (d.b) in Athikaraya, Meter and Jyothi rice varieties, respectively. Jyothi rice showed less cooking time and more cooking volume. Athikaraya showed high phenolic content and antioxidant properties compared to other two varieties. The dialysability of minerals, starch, and antioxidants were increased due to simple hot soaking parboiling. Practical applications The present study has the significance in assessing the variation among different pigmented rice varieties after parboiling by simple hot soaking with various soaking periods. The industrial advantage of this method is, there is no usage of boiler for cooking the paddy by steam, which was economically better. The information gained by this study might be beneficial for consumers and suppliers regarding the quality of the selected pigmented rice varieties with respect to nutrient composition, antioxidant activities, and bioaccessibility of minerals, starch, and antioxidants. Ultimately, the present study can lead to better appreciation of pigmented rice and assist food processors in selecting rice variety with unique characteristics for specialty food preparations.

Nardostachys jatamansi has profound applications against pharmacological interventions and is categorized as a hypno-sedative drug according to Ayurveda. In the present study probable mechanism of anxiolytic action of Nardostachys jatamansi extract (NJE) was studied using behavioral anxiolytic tests (Elevated plus maze, Open field test, Light dark box test, and Vogel’s conflict test) in mice. Mice were treated orally with NJE (250 mg/kg) for 3, 7 and 14 days or diazepam (1 mg/kg) followed by behavioral assessment and estimation of monoamine neurotransmitters, GABA, and antioxidant enzymes. Treatment of mice for 7 days caused an increase in time spent in open arms in elevated plus maze, number of line crossings in open field test, increased time spent in lit compartment of light-dark box test, an increase in number of licks made and shocks accepted in Vogel’s conflict test, with results comparable to diazepam and this treatment also caused a significant increase in monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in brain and tissue antioxidant parameters. Co-treatment of NJE with flumazenil (GABA-benzodiazepine antagonist; 0.5 mg/kg i.p) or picrotoxin (GABA_A gated chloride channel blocker; 1 mg/kg i.p) caused a blockage/antagonised anxiolytic actions of NJE by causing a significant reduction in time spent in open arms of elevated plus maze, an decrease in number of line crossing in open field test and also number of shocks and licks accepted in Vogel’s conflict test. Further, NJE was radiolabelled with technetium^99m at their hydroxyl groups following which purity as well as in vivo and in vitro stability of radiolabelled formulations was evaluated. The blood kinetics and in vivo bio-distribution studies were carried out in rabbits and mice respectively. Labeled formulation was found to be stable in vitro (96 to 93% stability) and in vivo (96 to 92% stability). The labeled compound was cleared rapidly from blood (within 24 h) and accumulated majorly in kidneys (11.65 ± 1.33), liver (6.07 ± 0.94), and blood (4.03 ± 0.63) after 1 h. However, a small amount was observed in brain (0.1 ± 0.02) probably because of its inability to cross blood-brain barrier. These results highlight biodistribution pattern of NJE, and also indicated that a 7-day treatment with NJE produced significant anxiolytic effects in mice and also a significant increase in brain monoamine and GABA neurotransmitter levels and suggests that anxiolytic effects of NJE are primarily and plausibly mediated by activating GABAergic receptor complex.